Brassac, Father Hercule, Paris, France, to Bishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1844 July 8

Blanc's two letters dated January 16 and April 1 have arrived; the second was brought by Father Victor Jamey. Jamey left Paris a few days ago. Brassac hopes that Jamey will be back working for Blanc. The recruiting of good priests will be difficult; he has seen two or three priests but they recoil at the thought of entering a country where the clergy has everything to dread. Jamey has probably written Blanc that Father Matthew Bernard Anduze has arrived here. The Apostolic Nuncio Monsignor Nicolo Fornari told Brassac that he had received information about Anduze. Yesterday Brassac heard that Anduze was staying at the Seminary for Foreign Missions. Through Jamey Brassac got the collection of the "Propagateur" and the "Penseur". The "Penseur " is an infamous paper and the editor is a contemptible man. Father James Ignatius? Mullon must be on his way back to New Orleans; he left Paris 5 or 6 weeks ago. Father Charles F. Morechini left yesterday for Corsica. Brassac had suffered to know that Blanc had been so prejudiced against him. After the death of Father Joseph Tichitolle Blanc opposed Brassac's nomination for Donaldson; Brassac did not feel any resentments. After Bishop Leo Raymond DeNeckere 's death the choice was between Blanc and Father Auguste Jeanjean . Jeanjean was nominated perfect and an opposition was formed against Blanc headed by two men whom he does not need to name. Brassac viewed Blanc's nomination with sorrow because he knew that there were many influential persons in New Orleans, above all members of the lodges, who were hostile to Blanc. Brassac attributed it to what happened in Baton Rouge while Blanc was pastor. Father Boué became Brassac's neighbor. Boué made slanderous remarks; he was responsible for the differences between St. Michael and Brassac. Brassac was then forced to tell Blanc about Bouée's behavior and Blanc took Bouée's side. Brassac sent his resignation in 1836 which was finally accepted in 1837. Brassac, during the council of 1837, heard about Blanc's opposition to Brassac's nomination as bishop of Natchez. If Bishop Simon Bruté had considered Brassac's reasons of refusing his nomination he would not have presented Brassac. Blanc said it would be a great pleasure to welcome Brassac back near him. This proves that Blanc has recognized Brassac's innocence. He still misses Louisiana but as long as his father is alive he cannot think of returning. He asks Blanc to burn this letter, to forget its contents and remember only the time when both were young and far from foreseeing the test awaiting them. :: V-5-b A.L.S. French 4pp. 4to. 13